Five reasons to vote ‘Yes’ on Prop 3

To the editor:

Respecting your time and your intelligence, I will encapsulate the top five reasons why a “Yes” vote on the education Proposition 3 on the Oct. 4 ballot wins any argument to delay. Understanding Prop 3 is not about an expense option, or a special interest project, the need is real, and the community is mandated to provide schools, this need will not go away.

No. 1 — 70/30 split. The federal and state dollars infused into local communities will only get less, some sources say if we delay now, the next option taxpayers may have could very well be a 60/40 split or even worse so it’s pay less now, pay more later.

No. 2 — Timing is very good to obtain good value. Economic indicators require building contractors to put forth very competitive bids, this combined with low financing rates, makes it an ideal time.

No. 3 — Economists tell us infusing about $215 million into the economy, over the next few years brings nearly a 10/1 economic benefit factor. These jobs will be mostly local, these additional construction and new payroll dollars will exchange hands many times in our community. That benefits everyone, including local governments and non-profit organizations. When local government benefits so do the residents, better public safety, parks and rec., roads and trails. Statistics also tell us, when millions of dollars like these are infused in a community over five years contributions to worthy non-profit organizations such as United Way also increase, so quality of life issues will also be enhanced.

No. 4 — This is a well-thought-out comprehensive plan that address the needs in every community of the borough. Talkeetna to Glacier view, Big Lake to the Butte, it addresses academic and athletic needs. It also addresseses and meets the needs of the most crucial districts of extreme population growth, the Knik Road and Big Lake areas.

No. 5 — This is a five-year plan, we as individuals and business taxpayers, can focus on our jobs and let the MSBSD focus on theirs until 2016 or beyond. This allows us to feel secure on the expense side of our ledger regarding stable local taxes. The destination of nearly 80 percent of our MSB property taxes is addressed for a minimum of five years. It is my belief these five points in summary make it a clear case to Vote “yes” on Prop 3 Oct. 4.

John Klapperich

Thirty-two-year Mat-Su Property taxpayer